The Youghal & District Community Alert programme elected the following officer at the November AGM in the Walter Raleigh hotel. Chairman: Jack Dempsey; Vice-chair: Pa Forrest; Secretary: Kay Curtain; Treasurer Michael Beecher; Pro: Sgt John Sharkey; Asst PRO: Garda Peter Queally. By Christy Parker

The incoming committee thanked outgoing Chairman and Youghal & District Community Alert programme founder Moss Lynch. Treasurer Michael Beecher said there was “tremendous credit” due to Mr Lynch, having kept the movement alive almost single-handedly over a year prior to the surge in public interest that sustains it today. Mr Lynch declined the offer of a titular position as President, saying he sought “no honours” for his commitment, but rather it was a pleasure to work for the community’s interests.

Incoming Chairman Jack Dempsey’s inaugural initiative was to re-arrange monthly meeting’s starting time a quarter hour earlier, at 7.45pm, with meetings lasting an hour at most. He also stressed that the new starting time would be stringently observed.

A question from the floor inquired as to a previous intention make a contribution gesture towards an elderly-related project. The chairman said that, with only one source of funding –an annual collection- thus far, the kitty was relatively modest. This money would likely be needed to cover unavoidable costs through 2010. However, he suggested the issue be re-considered after the next annual collection and this was agreed.

New Community Garda Peter Queally said was currently endeavouring to acquire a list of elderly people in the town and district, whether living in isolation or otherwise and asked that information on same be forwarded to him from any community source. It was suggested that a volunteer group of responsible younger people –teenagers perhaps- could also be organised to assist in visits, errand and caring for such vulnerable citizens. The chairman supported the idea but reminded that it would need to be very carefully organised.

It was suggested that a coffee morning be organised to raise funds and awareness of the Community Alert group. It was noted that a lot of people remained unaware of its functions and procedures and the treasurer Michael Beecher said he would look into the matter.

The chair concluded with an appeal to town councillors present for a few days of free parking prior to Christmas. He was told the council normally facilitated free parking from 4pm in the run up to Christmas but the issue would be discussed at the next town council meeting (Dec 14th).

At the meetings conclusion the attendance were given high visibility jackets as part of Road Safety Authority initiative.

Crime statistics

Earlier, the meeting had received a report from Sergeant John Sharkey on crime affairs and statistics over the intervening time since October’s meeting.

These transpired as follows:

Burglaries (3): Walter Raleigh, Strand Street & South Abbey

Criminal damage (9): Strand Street, Catherine Street, St. Raphael’s, Store Street, Father O’Neill’s GAA ground, Chestnut Drive (2), Cork Hill.

Driver Under Influence (4): tested @ Lackaroe, Priory Court, Claycastle, Ballymacask.

Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) Checkpoints: (9 failures): Mounted at Rhincrew (2), Greencloyne (2), Strand Street (2), Ballyvergan (2), Claycastle, Ballyvergan.

Drugs: (3): Carlton Wharf (3).

Minor assaults (7): Strand Street, DeValera Street, South Main Street, Front Strand, Stepping Stone House, Chestnut Drive, Cork Hill.

Assault Causing Harm (2): Lighthouse Hill, Usual Place pub.

The next Community Alert meeting will take place in the Walter Raleigh at 745 pm on Tuesday January 5th and on the first Tuesday of every month thereafter. Inquiries, etc to, Garda John Sharkey @ Youghal garda station (024) 92200 or to any committee member.